HI HB919

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 304A-402 to grant resident tuition fees at University of Hawaii campuses and community colleges to Hawaii high school graduates who earned a Hawaii high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, or adult community school diploma.

Allows graduates working toward their first undergraduate degree to qualify for resident tuition rates regardless of time spent out of state, provided they have not been absent from Hawaii for more than 12 consecutive years.

Maintains existing residency requirements for non-graduate students: 12 consecutive months of bona fide residence in Hawaii prior to enrollment and not being claimed as a dependent by nonresident parents for the preceding 12 months.

Exempts from the dependent-claim requirement cases where a parent claiming the student is entitled to do so under a child support order or legal separation agreement, provided the other parent and student meet residency criteria.

Takes effect upon approval.